ELSTHORPE.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume I, Issue 3, 14 December 1910, Page 11

ELSTHORPE.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) A concert and gift-night took place last Saturday in the Public Hall, in connection with the Union Sunday School, carried on bv the Anglican and Presbyterian Churches here. The object was to raise funds for the forthcoming picnic, and distribution of prizes and other expenses in connection with the school. There was a large turnout of the parents of the children and others. In opening the proceedings the Rev. J. F. Gunn referred to the success of the school which was started nearly a year ago and said it was one of the best in the parish. He emphasised the necessity of the church to keep up the young people within its fold. He handed a lengthy programme to Gordon SlcAulaj', who called upon the children to take part in the entertainment. Hymns were sung bv the scholars, songs by Lois. Edie, and Myrtle Pepper, recitations bv .Misses Myrtle Pepper, Eileen Lincoln, Gladys Smith, Lucv Pepper, Gertie Sinclair, Phyllis McQuade, Edie Peper. Agnes and Marion Watson, Lois Pepper, Annie PepRuby McAulay, Jessie Priest, and Masters Clarence Havcoek (character), and Chas. McQuade, dialogues by G. McAulay and J. Minty. Mrs. Smith and Rev. H. Collier contributed songs. The programme was brought to a close by an effective dialogue in character, entitled Father Christmas, in which Misses Annie and Mary Pepper, Hilda Stephenson and Masters James McQuade and J. Haycock took part, the latter’s representation of Father Christmas being very good.

The accompaniments were played by Mrs. Collier and Miss McAulay. At this stop the Rev. H. Collier thanked all who had taken part in the entertainment and those friends who had brought gifts for the occasion. He expressed the gratitude he felt at the realisation of his hopes in the successful Sunday School, which is being carried here so harmoniously. 1 Supper was handed round and at the same time the disposal of a large number of articles displayed in a corner of the hall was proceeded with. Miss McAulay and the Other teachers and scholars soon found purchasers for them. Some of the larger articles such as cushions, cakes, etc., and a sheep contributed by Mr. W. Watson were disposed of by nail-driving competitions. Mr. Gunn superintended dart-throwing competitions, and much interest was taken in a hattrimming competition, Mrs. Duncan and Kenderdine being judges. As a result of their combined efforts a sum of over £9 was realised. Losses to the District. Much regret is felt here at the death of the late Mr. J. H. Williams. His property at Te Apiti brought him frequently to this dis trict and his removal has caused quite a blank. He was a member of the Oero Road Board. Mr. Fitzroy’s death at New York was also received with sympathetic regret. He was very popular amongst all classes of the community here, and for many years took an active part in the various pub lie organisations of the district. Rain. The recent rains, and the thunderstorms last week have done an immense amount of good, and the crops and pastures which were languishing have assumed quite a green aspect again.